Abstract

Maternal Anemia and Iron Deficiency Anemia: Similarities and Singularities

Figueiredo ACMG, Gomes-Filho IS, Silva RB, Cruz SSD and Pereira MG

Maternal anemia is a major global public health problem, and although widely discussed, there are few studies investigating the condition in pregnant women. In this article, issues related to the diagnosis, biological mechanism and prevalence of maternal anemia. In addition, iron deficiency anemia will be considered a proxy for maternal anemia. In previous studies, the concepts of maternal anemia have been controversial. It is also noted that isolated actions are not sufficient to combat this disease, and policies to address the primary causes of the associated nutritional deficiencies are necessary.